South Bend Police Department Press Release

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The South Bend Police Department would like to announce that an arrest has been made in connection with a home-invasion incident that occurred at the Turtle Creek Apartments on the City’s northeast side on August 23rd.

Arrested for Felony Criminal Confinement was:

Bruce Allen Smith, m/w 24, of Mishawaka.


Working in cooperation with Notre Dame Security Police investigators, South Bend Police Department detectives were able to positively identify Smith as the suspect in this case.

A noteworthy point in this case is the fact the suspect gained entry to the apartment claiming to be an employee of Comcast cable television, and at the apartment complex to do repairs. At the time of Smith’s arrest, he listed Comcast as his employer. It is now believed that the suspect was employed by a subcontractor of the cable company and not Comcast itself.

This case is being forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutors office for review and possible additional charges.

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At 5:15 pm. this date, the South Bend Police Department dispatch center received a call of two pedestrians having been struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of Paramount Restaurant, located in the 700 block of South Michigan Street.

Officers and medics arrived and found a male and female that had been the apparent victims of a motor vehicle related incident. Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. A short time later the female victim died. The male victim is currently in critical condition.

The vehicle used in this incident was left at the scene, however the driver fled the area. Due to the nature of the scene and some of the statements made to police by witnesses, there is a question as to whether the incident was accidental or intentional. As is standard with suspicious deaths, the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit (MHU) was called to investigate. At this time the MHU is conducting interviews of witnesses.

Although the events surrounding this incident are still unclear, there is a named suspect in this case, and the MHU and area police are attempting to locate him at this time.

The identities of the individuals involved in this case are not being released at this time.

Further information will be released by MHU as warranted.

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With the 2006-2007 school year beginning, the South Bend Police Department would like to take this opportunity to urge all motorists to be particularly aware of school zone traffic safety. Drivers should pay special attention to designated “school zones” where posted speed limits are reduced to 25 mph..

The South Bend Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement in and around school zones in an effort to slow speeding drivers. Also targeted will be drivers that disobey the “no turn on red” designations found at many intersections that have a high degree of pedestrian traffic.

We want all of our kids to have a happy healthy school year and following good defensive driving practices will help.

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Captain Ed Friend With his family at the Thursday Reception.
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The South Bend Police Department Headquarters was the site of Captain Ed Friend's retirement reception on Thursday, August 4th.

Friends, family, colleagues and dignitaries all stopped by to wish Captain Friend well after nearly 44 years of dedicated, compassionate service to the people of the community. Ed's dedication and service did not stop at the boundaries of South Bend by any means. Ed has truly been a community leader as well as a community icon.

We wish Ed Friend well in his retirement. All of the people he touched in his life as a police officer were made better by his friendship. Thanks Captain Friend.